POV Drive 1956 Packard with 4,800 Original Miles!

[@randyrobey5643]

My father worked at Mooers Motor Car Co. for many years. "Mooers Motor" was a Packard dealership in Richmond, VA. My father loved Packards, and he taught me to love them too. When Packard closed in 1956, I was three years old. My father took me on a ride to deliver one of the very last new Packards sold in central Virginia. We drove the Packard from Richmond to Smithfield, Va, which was a little over 70 miles away. The car was a mid-century masterpiece. The exterior colors were a light green or teal color and white. I cannot remember if the metal trim on the side of the car was chrome or gold colored. I just remember that the trim was very shiny. The interior upholstery matched the exterior colors. I was fascinated by the little gearshift box attached to the steering column.The new Packard had been bought by an executive in the famous Smithfield Ham Company. I remember that he was a tall, balding man in a suit. We picked up the car the balding man had traded in and came home. It was a long drive back. I sensed that my father had brought me along, because he wanted company. He also knew that I would have a special memory if it didn't fade out of my child's mind.

[@classicperformance]

What a great story and memory!! We appreciate you taking the time to share it with us and the viewers!

[@VintageCarHistory]

The engine turning of the dash is just so... Awesome!

[@classicperformance]

We agree! It's not just engine turned, it is also punch perforated! Look closely at the speedometer and the gauges, each one has a non-perforated engine turned polished backing ring behind the sweep needle. Incredible details. Thanks for noticing!

[@williamlegall2988]

Nothing like sitting in front of this dash. Nothing gaudy about it. Just screams understated elegance.

[@danielthoman7324]

That Packard certainly is a beautiful car.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you, Daniel. We appreciate your interest. Check out our other 3 uploads on the '56 Patrician.

[@1940limited]

It's amazing how well it went over the railroad tracks. Packard put so much work and investment into their totally redesigned cars for 55 and 56, just to have them discontinued. What a shame.

[@classicperformance]

Heartbreaking to think about for the amount of engineering, ground breaking and perfection of cutting edge features and innovation, and it be immediately over after this year! They were right there and in many case ahead. The 4-wheel torsion bar suspension shows its capability over railroad tracks for sure.

[@williamlegall2988]

With the wrong (read "stiff") shocks, these cars have about as much grace as a dump truck. This beautiful car, has the correct (original) shocks. Few, at this point in time, understand these cars. Lucky them, they're young, but their 56 Packards run, ride and sound like garbage.

[@williamlegall2988]

I could never understand how they managed a COMPLETELY refreshed car for 1956, compared with the 55. Visually and mechanically, almost everything is new. Hundreds of new parts to design, visible or not!. Even the entire interior, including dash & door panels. The only thing remaining in the cabin, were the ashtrays, a couple of lights, switches & door handles. Mechanically: The bigger engine, transmission, new rear sway bar, refined torsion-level, electrical system, electric pushbutton Ultramatic, Locking differential available (just to name a few). Body: New hood, stylish "Frenched" front fenders, deck lid, front & rear emblems, rear stainless trim, rear quarter trim, new roof trim, front turn signals and even the bumpers are somewhat different. Except for the basic chassis, the car was a good 80% new. Mind boggling that they would even bother, except for the "Frenched" front fenders, which transformed the look. After all, the 55 was visually a brand new car. What determination, to try and make it the best car out there. Except for the doors & glass, a 55 is useless as a parts car for a 56. Very amazing.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you, William. We feel the '56 is the one to have for all the reasons you stated!!

[@fundamentos3439]

I'm a lifelong ' Packard ' fan. Thank you for sharing.😊

[@classicperformance]

Thank you, we appreciate your interest. Working on a new upload part 4 on this car, so stay tuned!

[@mikebarker2806]

I, too, am a lifelong Packard fan. The '56 model had engineering features that were far ahead of it's time!!

[@ThroBakChannel]

John Deloreon designed the Twin Ultramatic transmission when he worked at Packard. My Dad picked John Deloreon up at the airport in his ‘63 Studebaker Avanti when Deloreon flew into Grand Rapids for his book deal with Zondervan. They chatted about Packard and Studebaker during the drive.

[@classicperformance]

Cool story! Thanks for sharing. John Deloreon was an impressive person and is very significant in automotive history for sure. Other things of interest, he was well educated too. Lawrence Institute of Technology, (B.S.), Detroit College of Law, Chrysler Institute of Engineering, (M.A., Automotive Engineering) University of Michigan, (M.B.A.). Would have loved to see the DMC II hit production, but never happened.

[@rh380]

Also. He fitted the torsion bar system to the frame..

[@classicperformance]

Yes, thanks!!

[@rh380]

@classicperformance DeLorean. Needed another year to work the bugs out of the 56 ultra. I re-engineered my trans. Made aluminum bronze bushings. Put needle bearing in. Ross miller's mod to change shift pattern. Mine is a daily driver been going for years no problem. Packard info. Forum. My blog . Also my utube I show push buttons. Fingers what happens when you push a button. Under the car. I also make my own rear axle bushings. I have my dad's Packards also 56 Patrician 36 12. Work in progress. .

[@classicperformance]

Thanks, RH!! I just watched your compensating motor delay mod. Appreciate you sharing such good information. Let's keep them on the road!

[@T-41]

Thanks for showing this beauty. The very attractive, contemporary 1955-56 Packard styling was done by the very talented Richard Teague who later worked for AMC. John Delorean was also a Packard alumnus. The adverse publicity in the press of the time concerning poor financial results of the Studebaker= Packard Corporation increased skepticism in the financial markets and the customer base about the company’s survival . 1956 sales dwindled. When Packard couldn’t arrange for financing to tool up the planned new 1957 models, the game was over. Very sad finish for one of the most prestigious and storied auto companies.

[@classicperformance]

We appreciate you adding and sharing these details. Indeed a sad ending!

[@albertcarello619]

@@T-41 It's a shame that AMC, PACKARD, AND STUDEBAKER didn't merge and combine into one corporation.

[@rogerbear60]

My dad loved Packards, and had several in his lifetime. The one I remember is a 1955 Caribbean convertible. What a tank. He drove it for a short while and then it got parked in the weeds for many years, and unfulfilled restoration project.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for sharing, Roger. A Caribbean convertible would be a dream!!! It's on the bucket list for sure!!

[@ollyalme]

The _ELEGANCE_ ! For that matter - Any 50s, 60s, 70s US car with fender skirts are pure elegance!

[@classicperformance]

We're happy to hear from a fender skirt fan! We sure are and whoever came up with the idea, genius!!! Long and low like lead sleds! Thanks!

[@choward5430]

I've never heard a Packard run. Nice!

[@classicperformance]

Very mellow but deep audible exhaust note from the dual through-bumper exit tips, and almost not even percievable from the interior.

[@inthezone4123]

I could comfortably wear my fedora in this car. Super video. Grandpa loved his Packards. I found it odd that his next car was a Zephyr.

[@classicperformance]

Glad you enjoyed it!! We'll have a fedora with a feather and proper jacket next time!! Good thinking! We'll be "inthezone"

[@Jasona1976]

What a classic beauty! A gem to be treasured!

[@classicperformance]

Thank You! Appreciate your interest!

[@davidbrownell1129]

I have two 1956 Packard hardtops. Some Ultramatic trivia: the 1956 cars had an aluminum case instead of the previous cast iron. The engineer/designer of the aluminum version was none other than John Z. DeLorean. Other major differences between the 1955 and 56 cars was a shift to Negative ground and a completely different trunk lid stamping. One minor change to the dash is a larger electric clock.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you for all this good info, David. I have always heard the '56 Ultramatic case also saved 90lbs in weight too!!!

[@williamlegall2988]

Just two small, easily corrected errors in the Ultramatic, that ruined its bulletproof dependability otherwise. Very easy unit to work on, without the necessity for special tools. The (slightly of course) later 56 Ultramatic had more refined valve body, modified converter-neck and bushing it rides in. So beware if swapping parts, or unit will not go into direct-drive. The only very hard part, is getting the exhaust fittings apart, that block the removal. When replacing the pipes, make certain no exhaust component touches any part of the chassis or rear bumper. Nothing worse than exhaust drone!!

[@buick1955]

The 55 56 Packards were some off the best looking cars of the 1950's .

[@classicperformance]

We like to think so, too!

[@randyrobey5643]

Yes, they were.

[@williamdavis8161]

Beautiful car!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks, William!

[@danielthoman7324]

The most perfect car in the world.A

[@williamlegall2988]

The reason that a 56 Packard, in this condition only, has an "organic" ride, like no other is this: Due to the main full (wheelbase) length torsion bars, the front wheels are pushing down on the rear wheels and vice-versa. Each wheel is "pushed down" by the opposite end. Minimal need for shocks to keep the wheels on the ground. It literally feels "glued" to the road surface. Though the ride may be described as "floaty", in actuality, it's anything but. Within that ride "feel", one can quickly sense that it has its exclusive "planted" feel. With radial tires, one can feel every pebble. So the ride is near arrow-level, and yet one has the most secure feel, due to each wheel being forced down by the opposite end of the torsion bar (on each side). It's the only car in my small collection, that makes my pulse race, just thinking about the next trip. I've been this way, ever since my first experience, decades ago. Also, one cannot help but want to share the experience with others. This only applies to one this Patrician, and very few other's in 2024. I'm a huge Caddy fan (& owner), but I am appalled by the comparison of the 56 Caddy vs the "example" of a 56 Packard, used for the comparison. OMG!!! It's a total insult to the families of the original Packard engineers.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you for this detailed description of how the torsion suspension works as well as how the descriptions of the ride and road feel. We agree. You had mentioned the shocks in earlier comments, can you elaborate on what your personal preference is for tires today, stick with bias ply, or change to radial tires?

[@ronschwolsky1626]

She’s a beauty!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks!!!

[@NeighborRich]

Packards are incredible cars! Great content.. 😊

[@classicperformance]

Thanks, NeighborRich and fellow KZbinr!!! Appreciate your interest! Hope all is well in the PA area and you are staying warm!

[@williamlegall2988]

See November 1955 Popular Science😃"We planned to ease into the first turn at 60-65. Instead, what are we doing at 90". "With six gents aboard, we're chatting with the boys in the back seat. The dial goes up to 120. But what do you want with 2 miles per minute, you hold her down and get that just-loafing feel"

[@gaborbuti1197]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Beautiful, smooth machine, almost 70 years old, and still amazing in 2023/24 also... ( my favourite is the 56' 300c, but that's the second) greetings from Hungary

[@williamlegall2988]

A perspective: To think, that just 28 years before this Packard was the Model-T. We are now at least 68 years after its introduction, yet the car can be driven briskly in modern traffic, easily driven cross-country in SUPREME COMFORT and absolutely stunning to look at, both inside & out. (Applies to this particular car, as most all, run with as much grace as a cement mixer, no matter how good they may look. One must KNOW, how they function & how to work on them)

[@watthaile2053]

A very pleasant and enjoyable video of a lovely car. I saw the earlier one a few months back. My stepfather loved Packards and we had a black one when i was about 6-7. I remember the day he brought it home to show my mother. I only recall that the back seat seemed big and very nice. Thank You for the video and jogging my memory.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for the interest and sharing your story! Wonderful cars!

[@kenmiddleton9471]

Beautiful car

[@classicperformance]

Thank you, Mr. Middleton and, also, we appreciate your continued support of the Channel. We see you as being very active and want to express appreciation! CP

[@Schlipperschlopper]

The soviet Tschaika Gaz 13 looks very much like this!

[@classicperformance]

It sure does! a knockoff copy!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@@classicperformance The Tschaika has a Fiat designed V8 engine 5.4 all aluminum

[@classicperformance]

Did not know that. cool!!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@@classicperformance yeah they copied the Packard, the engine is quite good the soviets copied a Fiat V8 5.4 Litre from the 1960s called the "140".

[@billboyer1244]

Wow! What an incredible car. I’d love just to ride in it, if not drive it. ❤

[@classicperformance]

The proper place for you to ride and be driven would be in the back seat with your personal foot warmers on at this time of the year. Just say when, Bill. Thanks, CP

[@williamlegall2988]

If you rode in one like this, you'd be in shock. Near train-like ride!!! The dash & interior is "eye candy". If you're ever in Lansdale, PA, I'll shock you with a ride. @@classicperformance

[@classicperformance]

@@williamlegall2988 Yes, we are very happy with the ride quality in this '56 Patrician! Thanks for the offer!

[@williamlegall2988]

No one, no matter how "jaded" from owning fine cars, is ever ready for the experience. One gentleman that rode in it frequently, when it was NEW, discovered that I own the very (Hegarty Packard) car, that he and his sister rode in, when Mr.Hegarty took them for ice cream, FIFTY SEVEN years before, in a faraway town!!! He visited us in 2016, and we took him for a ride. When we got back, we made a one minute video, about his history with the car. Another person, that now owns two 56 Packard's, used to ride his bicycle, in 1956, just to oogle at the car, in his local Orlando dealership, where it was all "lit up" in the window. I made a video with him also, describing just how exciting it was, when he was a kid. If that doesn't prove the passion for the Packard, I don't know what else to say. As a final note, most every torsion level Packard is ruined, to the point that no one would want them, even for free. (Not even me) One of these "junkers" was even compared to a 56 Caddy, and naturally the Caddy won out. Certainly not this white Patrician. I'm into vintage Caddy's, Corvette, Japanese and German fine cars. All very wonderful, but a 56 Packard is something magical, that really cannot be fully described. See November 1955 Popular Science.

[@prestonrobert2625]

On our 55 model 400 the number 7 tappet would not get enough oil. They invented a snorkel. I found that 30 weight Quaker State with a can of STP would settle it down. Thank you for the memory of my father and hours of lectures...

[@classicperformance]

"hours of lectures", same here! We have quite a few other videos on this car if you haven's checked them out.

[@williamlegall2988]

28 years before, was the model-T. 68 years after, the beast is still gliding on the road, effortlessly, with FOUR HUNDRED FIVE POUNDS OF TORQUE!!! (I know, nothing to a Tesla owner, but still...........SIXTY EIGHT YEARS AGO)

[@classicperformance]

and everything works perfectly on it from the backup lights to the autotune function of the radio, to the "brake" warning light, power antenna, etc.

[@CharlieLarkin75]

Let's see if that Tesla is still on the road in 68 years...I think we all know the answer, unfortunately.

[@williamlegall2988]

The most misunderstood car ever made: H-D shocks totally stop the suspension from functioning, in that it prevents the "interacting" suspension from working; Next, the Twin-Ultramatic is far beyond a "2-speed", in that it has a "third", which is lock-up torque converter. About 15 years before it became standard. Zero slippage in "third", unlike a normal automatic; Effortless power, once the the distributor springs are (easily) changed and the carburetor "secondaries" are properly adjusted; The dual exhaust touches the chassis & rear bumper, on every other one I've seen, in person or in videos. Makes the car sound like a cement mixer; Then there's the loose jack pieces, coins in the ashtrays, "accentuating" every bump in the road, as in most every old car. I could go on & on. This example is the best riding & sounding example ever on you tube, though Jay Leno's 55 (not his 56) comes very close. Wouldn't take much to make the wonderful car, in this video, to perform in a surreal manner. One cannot imagine, until it's experienced. I've owned all sorts of cars and this is the best of the best, especially for very long trips. Finally, the "torsion level" must be working and the car totally level, unlike so many that are (usually) "front-bottomed" on you tube, which looks hideous along with terrible ride quality. What a great array of videos for this white beauty. Splendid photography too!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks William for your well thought out insight. We assured the new exhaust touches nothing at all, not even the trim of the rear bumper exit. You are correct on the transmission and the lockup is functional. The leveling system is still set and adjusted from the factory and seems to be about right. The car has no rattles whatsoever. One question however, you say: "...in that it prevents the "interacting" suspension from working". can you explain the "interacting" part of the suspension and how that works interactively and with the long torsion bars. The levelizer is just simply for rear load leveling and not an interactive suspension part of the car when it is driven or for ride enhancement... hence the thermal delay box, so it does not attempt to operate when the car is in motion and moving up and down going down the road.

[@williamlegall2988]

Gorgeous car and very much appreciate your videos. Regarding the function of the long "interacting" bars: When the front wheels fall into a lower depression of the road, the tension to the rear wheel releases. When the front wheel goes OVER a bump, the rear wheel gets forced downward. In either situation, the movement of the car is "halved" and the movement remaining is near straight "up & down" resulting in a near train-like experience. Also, when going around curves, both ends of the torsion bar are "loaded" at once, resulting in rather good cornering. If the car were much lower and fitted with modern low-profile tires, there would be barely any lean at all. I consider this suspension to be the most elegantly simple, dependable and long lasting type yet developed (except for the torsion delay electro-mechanical timer, that can be easily retrofitted with a solid-state timer, from ali-express, for a couple of bucks) If one wants to keep it retro, and purely American, a vintage Amperite Time Delay (vacuum) tube would last forever. Either way, it would put an end to ALL the hideous cars, with their nose on the ground, or visa-versa🙂@@classicperformance

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for all the continued good information, William.

[@kosmologist]

It's not a 3 speed. The lockup function is typical on automatic transmissions; it's a 2 speed with lock up. The converter lockup also works in Low but only when the trans is specifically in Low, not Drive.

[@classicperformance]

Correct. The lockup in second makes it "feel like" a shift to another gear since it significantly reduced the engine RPM. The lockup converter was very uncommon in that era and Packard may have been the only company with such technology which is standard today.

[@CharlieLarkin75]

Very nice car, definitely a special one. A 1955-'56 Packard is one of the cars I'd like someday. My late friend Bob had a couple of 1955-'56 Packards, and he absolutely loved them. A very interesting thing about the Ultra-Matic, and apparently, most of the other early automatic transmissions was also found out in a conversation with him one night after lodge. We were talking cars, and he told me about how he was having trouble getting his Ultra-Matic to shift as smoothly as it was supposed to, and nobody could quite figure out what was the problem. So, he called a fellow in Virginia who is (or was, not sure if he's still alive), the world's leading authority on the Ultra-Matic. He told Bob that the original formulation of Type A automatic transmission fluid included....WHALE OIL! So, round about 2005-'06 when these calls were made, where do you get whale oil?? We lived in the Greater New Bedford, Mass. area, which meant we were home to the major whaling port of the first half of the 19th Century, and the WIlliam F. Nye Oil Co., which was one of the whaling ship owners, is still in business today as Nye Lubricants. So, Bob called them up on a whim, and lo and behold, they still have some whale oil. As Bob said, "Charlie I won't tell you how much I paid for five ounces, but it was a lot," and he poured three ounces in the transmission. All the shifting problems went away.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for your interest and your comment in the form of a good story. Long ago I heard Whale Oil was a great supplement. I'll have to do some research on that and see what can be found as a supplement/additive. I have seen some Ultramatics that you can't even feel shift, then others that seem to slightly launch the car ahead upon a gear shift.

[@williamlegall2988]

The 56 Packard was used for a stand-up display, by New York State, to advertise their PICTURE (!!!) LICENSE PLATES. The rear bumper had a pocket, to hold about 40 folded brochures, explaining how to order them. This was in the 80's. About 18 inches wide. I have one on display, given to us decades ago by the wonderful Packard parts dealer(s) Bob & Christine Stolzfus of Marietta, PA.

[@classicperformance]

Wow, did not know that. Exciting!!!

[@williamlegall2988]

How about a road trip, complete with comments from the public. This is a car to be enjoyed and so what if it racks up another 500 miles, as these were so much more than just eye candy. They are best experienced by driving them. This beautiful video, just makes one crave for a longer drive, I'm certain. I'm fortunate to have one in my garage for 48 years. I'm a huge Caddy fan, but let's face it, they run quiet and beautiful, but missing a certain organic and unique feel of these fine 56 Packards. BTW, One could never tell by most of the others on you-tube, which run with about as much grace as a cement truck. OMG!!!

[@classicperformance]

We'll take your advice and do a trip in the car this summer! We agree!

[@williamlegall2988]

No worry about power window or power seat issues, as this is a very rare car, that's devoid of such things. Never experienced a power seat failure, but very rarely there can be a window failure. Only seen a total of 3 1956 Patrician's equipped this unique way, during the past several decades. Surprised the original owner then opted for the pushbutton shift.

[@classicperformance]

Thank you William for your keen insights on this car and we agree!

[@billboyer1244]

I think this year and model Packard it better looking that the 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood!

[@classicperformance]

We like and operate both brands, kinda partial to the Packards first. Both are fantastic Marques.

[@williamlegall2988]

Love the Caddy, but the Packard slightly"edged it out" in my opinion. The cathedral tail-lights and side running lights add to its distinctive beauty.

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

Packard was the Rolls Royce of American cars!

[@classicperformance]

It sure was, and the ride quality is still far better than many luxury cars even today! The full frame structure (vs. unit body) is a great advantage in ride quality along with the long wheel base.

[@williamlegall2988]

According to the 56 Brochure, Packard had a panel of beautiful "society woman" to help design the interior. It shows. So modern and tasteful at the time, and still so, 68 years later. Impossible not to feel happy and enlightened, within the confines of this cabin. Every single detail pleases one's senses. Combined with the train-like ride, it's a very special place to be.

[@classicperformance]

We appreciate your wealth and fountain of knowledge with the '55 and '56 Packards. Could not agree more, the interior is special place to be for sure.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

I believe "High" gear here is equivalent what was called "Drive 2" on some cars. It's for starting out in 2nd gear, for situations where you're in snow, for example, and want to reduce torque.

[@classicperformance]

You are correct in that. With this car, the high gear start is perfectly fine and really not even noticeable in terms of being more sluggish. Thanks!

[@johnclements6852]

It was a shame that Studebaker-Packard's South Bend plant's assembly line was too narrow to allow these to be produced once the Conner Avenue plant in Detroit closed. Despite the negativity over the 1957 and 1958 "Packards," it was the best they could do, hoping (I imagine) that one day the big Packards could be made again. It was a sad time for both companies at the time of the takeover (not merger) as the agreement read that Studebaker desired to sell and Packard desired to buy the Studebaker Corporation. Both were struggling financially and both "lied" or perhaps more charitably "misled" each other as it seems no proper examination of their respective financial positions was made, and then the truth came out that Studebaker's breakeven point was around 100,000 cars a year and they were nowhere near that. James Nance (Packard CEO) also made a poor decision to close his plant and move to the much narrower ex Chrysler Conner Avenue plant, but I suppose criticism 67 years later is unfair as all concerned did the best they could with what resources they had.

[@classicperformance]

So true and so sad. Thanks for all the great info, John!!

[@CharlieLarkin75]

I think things would have been much better had George Mason's vision for American Motors with the combination of Nash, Hudson, Studebaker, Packard, and I believe Willys, which I've seen variously mentioned as involved or not, would have been the best outcome for all.

[@RADIUMGLASS]

In the 1977 several hundred Packard's went to the crusher over a feud involving two Packard clubs.

[@classicperformance]

We haven't heard about that. How about some details?

[@CharlieLarkin75]

Wait, what?

[@RivieraByBuick]

its a revelation to me that these cars had torque converter lock ! Unbelievable.

[@classicperformance]

Torque converter lockup was called "Direct Drive" by Packard and boasted the efficiency of a manual gearbox, in an automatic as it eliminated torque converter slippage. For 1956 the right side gear selector pod came out billed as the "Touch Button Ultramatic". You had two driving options as we demonstrated. In "D" for drive, a low gear start, low to high automatic shift, converter lockup. In "H" for high, a high gear start, followed by lockup. On flat land, you really don't need low gear at all and never miss it. Packard modified the angle of the converter "pump" to allow a higher stall speed thus increasing the torque multiplication better suited to the torque curve of the new V8 engines and better off-the-line starting when using high gear starts. Works amazingly well.

[@dave1956]

It’s really unfortunate that Packard could not have kept building cars, not rebadged Studebaker’s. I have often wondered what Packard’s would have looked like by the end of the 60’s.

[@classicperformance]

A very good question to ponder. Would they be long and low with a swept look? Would the jet age be somewhat present? Would "C" pillars and back glass be at such an agressive angle? Etc.

[@TheTreasureGuard]

Treasure!

[@classicperformance]

Appreciate it!

[@kipbrown1549]

Nice car !!!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks!! check out all our other videos on the Patrician and other Packards... there is also a playlist on the Channel for them.

[@neildickson5394]

Beautiful car, really outstanding. I think it's unfortunate that Packard put all that money into the torsion level ride. Something the public could not even see. I mean for company unequaled in engineering, it seems like a good fit. But, separating the Packard line from the Clipper line in appearance seems more pressing. The Clipper line was officially a separate brand in 56, but a little too late. The 57's would have brought completely separate bodies. The first Patricians we're in 1951. Packard was still healthy in 54 with the buyout of Studebaker, but slow sales following a robust 55, and Studebaker's mounting problems doomed Packard. Many may wonder why Studebaker survived and not Packard. Packard had survived slow years before, like 54. Studebaker survived because it was thought it had long been a big producer, and therefore might be the long term surviver. But Packard should have retrenched and become a smaller luxury car builder like Rolls-Royce. After WWII, the thinking was volume, no matter how you got it. Cadillac didn't have to do that because they had GM protection. If only Ford had bought Packard in the mid 50's as Henry Ford II wanted, this would be a different story. The Board overruled him because they were in the process of creating their own Continental Division, plus their all new Edsel. Both flopped, and Packard died. Timing!

[@classicperformance]

Interesting things to think about and we'd have to agree with you. What if Packard used an outside supplier for automatic transmissions early on and poured resources into the OHV and then able to offer one early on. So many things they could have done differently. Easy to look back now and say "what if"

[@CharlieLarkin75]

I never knew HF II wanted to buy Packard. Very interesting. So, that would've positioned Lincoln probably more as a competitor to say Chrysler New Yorkers/Buick Roadmasters/Olds 98s, maybe the Cadillac 61, and then Packard, the Caddy 62 and Fleetwood, and Imperial for the luxury market?

[@neildickson5394]

@@CharlieLarkin75 Yes, exactly. There had been an odd connection between Ford and Packard since at least the 20's when there was a recording of these two makes together. And, Henry Ford went to his grave riding in a 42 Packard Hearse, not a Lincoln or Ford product. There are photos on the net

[@CharlieLarkin75]

@@neildickson5394 Hmm...I'll have to do a little more digging. I've seen pictures of the funeral, and the hearse. Sort of makes sense as Lincoln didn't really cater to the coach-built market after the Model K, and I think Ol' Henry would have risen up breaking the casket lid screaming if it was a GM product, so respected competitor with a better-suited product it is.

[@raylocke282]

Not too many mechanics could adjust the Ultramatics transmission shifter linkage resulting in burning transmission clutches.

[@classicperformance]

True, Ray. I also understand when Packard closed, they destroyed the transmission tooling, so there were no spare parts produced after production by outside sources. What's left out there is what is left. However, rebuild kits are available with clutches, but not inexpensive either.

[@williamlegall2988]

.....and it's really so easy. Everything was simple back then.

[@marcmenton8063]

Is this going to be for sale? Thank you

[@classicperformance]

Not for sale at this time. Appreciate your interest!

[@karlreinke9653]

Had torsion ride as well.

[@classicperformance]

Smooth isn't it!

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

I think that seatbelts were optional in 1956. Today, they are law and you could be fined for not wearing one. So what do you say to a cop who might stop you for not wearing seatbelts?

[@classicperformance]

I believe these older cars are grandfathered in and is a non-issue. Inspections do not require them (as well as other safety features) on older cars. Haven't been pulled over yet :)

[@Flies2FLL]

When I was a little kid in the 1970's, my parents had a '72 Ford LTD two door in brown with a brown cloth interior. The engine was basically silent. If dad floored the throttle, it sounded like a V8, but just barely. My point is that from the factory these cars did not have any sort of exhaust note, NONE. That changed in the 1980's... Which means that the exhaust note that you hear from this car? It is NOT STOCK. It is an aftermarket bullshit exhaust that is meant for some old junk hot rod car, not a proper preserved car.

[@classicperformance]

We disagree with your statement and call Bullshit right back at you! To prove you wrong, we're currently working on an upload which, in part, will show the correctness of exhaust and also the extreme complexity of it all. It is also a dual exhaust system unlike a Ford LTD "smogger". Stay tuned.

[@Flies2FLL]

@@classicperformance If you say so, but I remember riding in one of these cars.

[@waggitnshaggit6592]

Sounds fantastic

[@classicperformance]

​@waggitnshaggit6592 thanks!! Just enough sound so you know it's a V8. Not as loud as it sounds at the start of the video.

[@albertcarello619]

Is the non ethanol fuel Premium I hope!?

[@classicperformance]

Correct. It's a bit hard to find, many stations only have 87 non-ethanol. The 90 and 92 are pretty common at marinas, where is where we like to get fuel. Thanks for your interest.

[@albertcarello619]

@@classicperformance The Premium Gas in ILLINOIS is 93 octane but with ethanol unfortunately. You'd also want to add octane boosters to your fuel as well. Some Union 76 gas stations in California and Shell gas stations in California actually have a 100 octane lead free premium gasoline!!!

[@classicperformance]

​@@albertcarello619 The 374 CID OHV V-8, fitted to Packard Four Hundred and Patrician has a compression ratio of 10.0:1 Horsepower: 290 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 405 ft. lbs. @ 2800. Carburetor: Rochester Type 4GC four-barrel carb. With this setup, the proper fuel requirement would be 90 octane non-ethanol. The trick is to find non-ethanol above 87, and again is usually at marinas. We see 92, 93 and even 95 often but is ethanol blended. Another trick is to run a 160 degree thermostat to reduce knock and dieseling, as well as slightly retard the timing. It is hard to find good fuel these days. 100LL at airports is good stuff for older engines too.

[@albertcarello619]

@@classicperformance Your Welcome.

[@davidadkison4702]

Hi gear is for in town driving and Drive is for highway driving.

[@classicperformance]

OK, we had thought it was "H" starts you out in a higher gear vs "D" starts you out in the lowest ger of the transmission.

[@jasongilmore2709]

why would you just drive a 4,800 mile time capsule like this out in traffic? This car deserves better preservation than that...

[@classicperformance]

Jason, It's just a car. A very nice car, but still just a car. Cars were built to be driven and they like to be driven, carefully. We also are not in LA or NYC traffic, just taking the back roads and take it easy. We plan to do more driving of this wonderful 1956 time capsule Packard in the near future. Might even take it on a day-long road trip somewhere interesting. Stay tuned. CP

[@jasongilmore2709]

It's NOT just a car. Cars are made to be driven--- but this car was preserved in its original state for 65 plus years--- you don't take a time capsule of THAT magnitude out and just drive the hell out of it regardless of where you are... that car deserves to be driven very limitedly but appropriately preserved as the time capsule that it INDEED is. BTW You might like to know I have 15+ vintage cars. I drive my cars. But the one I don't drive everywhere and only in limited appropriate areas and times? The 16,000 mile time capsule I own. Get real with your "it's just a car" rhetoric. Do that car a favor and sell it to a historian and preservationist that will do JUSTICE to the wonderful piece of history it is. @@classicperformance

[@ernielaw]

Keep that Packard rust free by not driving it in the winter.

[@classicperformance]

That goes without saying However we do not get any snow or freezing weather requiring road salt treatment in the Southeast of USA

[@JobyJoby-iw2wr]

I can imagine driving this car around Cuba before Communism. Playing golf, boating in my yacht, living in my gated community, taking the Florida Ferry to Miami and back....

[@classicperformance]

Very true, and the fact the back seat is more comfortable and roomy than the front, you might have been in the back with your driver up front and getting the rear door opened for you.